Preparing for Ramadan

As the sacred month of Ramadan approaches, here at Penny Appeal, we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of this blessed time for reflection, discipline, and a heightened connection to faith. It is always a busy time for our charity, so we’re making all the preparations in good time to make sure we’re ready for the Ramadan rush, but how else should we be preparing for the holiest of months?

As many of us stock up on dates and perfect our suhoor and iftar recipes, we should also be making a conscious effort to cleans our hearts and minds so we can be in the best position to embrace the blessings on the horizon. We should take the time to reflect on our thoughts; central to Ramadan prep is the cultivation of sincere intentions. As Muslims, we should approach this month with a pure heart, seeking Allah’s (SWT) pleasure and forgiveness. Reflecting on our intentions allows us to align our actions with the core principles of Ramadan: seeking closeness to Allah (SWT), nurturing compassion for others, and striving for self-improvement.

Setting spiritual goals is another integral aspect of Ramadan preparation. How will you make every week, day, and fast count? Whether you increase your prayers throughout the holy month, read and reflect on the Qur’an, or join us in some charity giving, setting goals allows us all to have a roadmap for our progress over the weeks of Ramadan. We’ll be setting realistic but still challenging goals for ourselves that allow us to grow personally, spiritually, professionally, and expose us to an overall stronger connection to our faith.

Moving on from the mental prep, we all know by now that Ramadan can push our bodies to new levels, demanding discipline, and restraint. Throughout this period, our bodies remind us that they are capable of incredible things but need to be treated like the sacred creations of Allah (SWT) that they are. Our bodies are to be cherished, respected, and maintained so ensuring we’re eating and drinking the right things, as well as regularly exercising is important. As said in the holy Qur’an, ‘we have certainly created man in the best of stature’ [Qur’an 95:4] so must give our bodies the tools they need to make the most of Ramadan.

At Penny Appeal, we’re passionate about using small change to make a BIG difference in communities across the world. The power of charity can transform the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalised people on earth, and the rewards for you are immense, especially during Ramadan. As part of your Ramadan preparations, why not support a brother or sister in need through your Zakat or Sadaqah? This, along with other acts of kindness makes for a great addition to your pre-Ramadan to do list.

The arrival of Ramadan is fast approaching, and excitement is brewing here at the Penny Appeal Campus. Preparations are in full force but let us not forget that we’re heading into a Ramadan like no other. The plight of the Palestinian people is more harrowing than ever. At a time where they should be preparing for the holy month, they’re suffering, displaced, starving and hopeless. If there’s one thing you do in preparation for Ramadan, keep our brothers and sisters across Gaza and the West Bank in your prayers and duas. Their faith may be fading, but let’s protect them with ours.

Click here to support Palestine with your Zakat today.